Newport Beach, CA – Federal authorities have arrested Diego Ananais Arrellano Diaz, also known as Fabio Cristian Hernandez, in connection with a string of sophisticated ATM robberies spanning California, Oregon, and Washington.
Arrellano Diaz, a fugitive member of a South American theft group primarily made up of Chilean nationals, was taken into custody in Newport Beach on Wednesday. He is suspected of participating in a series of ATM burglaries between May and October 2024, including a recent incident where a bomb was used to blow open an ATM inside a Target store in San Ramon, California.
According to federal prosecutors, the crew executed more than 29 coordinated heists, stealing over $4 million. The group used high-level tactics like construction disguises, cellphone jammers, and blowtorches to disable and access ATM machines. They often rented short-term vacation homes near the targeted banks and credit unions to conduct surveillance and prepare.
Previously identified as “John Doe 2” in an October 2024 complaint, Arrellano Diaz was formally named in May 2025 after his identity was confirmed. He is also charged in Los Angeles Superior Court under an alias for assault with a deadly weapon.
If convicted, Arrellano Diaz faces up to 20 years in prison for bank robbery and an additional 5 years for conspiracy to commit bank robbery, though sentencing would consider federal guidelines and statutory factors.
Federal authorities say 11 other members of the crew were arrested last year for related crimes across multiple states.
